Hi, I hope someone can help. We have two Cavaliers, George (tri, 3 years old) and Millie (Ruby, 2 years old). We have just brought home our English Mastiff puppy, Spencer, to add to the clan. We are not expecting this to be an easy process (somewhat different to bringing up Cavaliers), we are trying to anticipate all problems, a dog trainer is visiting this week, then he is attending dog training as we want a well socialised, well trained dog. However the problem we have first is with Millie, she's really scared of him. George is quite happy, a quick growl keeps Spencer in his place and they have started playing. Millie (who is the sweetest natured dog ever, I've never heard her even growl at anything), runs away from the puppy, tale between her legs. She is still coming down to eat, but is basically just hiding upstairs. How can I help her, I've read we shouldn't try to reassure her too much around Spencer as that confirms to her that he is a threat, but I don't want to ignore the problem. When she was a puppy a black Lab tried to attack her (no physical damage done), since then she has been exceptionally submissive to other dogs, but not terrified. She was brought up with George and an Old English Sheepdog/Irish Wolfhound who we sadly lost last year. She was happy with both. Sorry for such a long post, but I really want to help her, not accidentally make her worse. My heart breaks for her, she really is the nicest, sweetest little girl. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Vikki

29th August 2013, 06:54 PM

meljoy

Hi and congrats on your new puppy. It sounds like you're doing everything you should by getting a trainer involved at an early stage. I don't have any experience with this but Im sure someone here will have plenty of advice. best of luck. Mel

29th August 2013, 09:12 PM

joandesan

Take a deep breath! It will all work out just fine. I had two Japanese Chin when I got Bosco (my CKC). One of the chin growled at him for the first two weeks and the other one ran away. Gradually, they all got used to each other, and now they all sleep in the same bed. I never anticipated a problem and was very worried when it was not immediate "puppy love" on their parts. I let my "growler" know that growling was unacceptable behavior, and I did my best to keep the pup from "annoying" the Chin. Just know that with time and patience, it will all work out wonderfully.

Please keep us posted, and don't worry if they are not immediate friends. Dogs accept adult dogs better than they do puppies.

Joan

8th October 2013, 05:09 PM

MillieCaramels

[QUOTE=joandesan;432667]Take a deep breath! It will all work out just fine. I had two Japanese Chin when I got Bosco (my CKC). One of the chin growled at him for the first two weeks and the other one ran away. Gradually, they all got used to each other, and now they all sleep in the same bed. I never anticipated a problem and was very worried when it was not immediate "puppy love" on their parts. I let my "growler" know that growling was unacceptable behavior, and I did my best to keep the pup from "annoying" the Chin. Just know that with time and patience, it will all work out wonderfully.

Thank you for this! Over a month has passed and there are a lot of improvements. Millie has stopped hiding and will occasionally play with Spencer. We are at dog training once a week (myself, husband, daughter, George, Millie and Spencer!). George and Millie look somewhat baffled to find themselves there, but they enjoy it, and it helps Millie with learning to meet other dogs. Spencer is still very young and there's a way to go but I don't feel so out of control of the situation any more!
Vikki

9th October 2013, 01:56 PM

joandesan

So happy it is working out! The class sounds great. Millie, Spencer, and George have your whole family there to cheer them on. They must love it!

Joan

9th October 2013, 08:21 PM

Karlin

Sounds like very good progress! Time tends to smooth out the initial rough edges when introducing a new dog. :)